Westerly Tempest 31 Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

Owner three-cabin layouts are the more common configuration you will encounter, but both the original and the later alternative are available. The original arrangement sleeps up to six in two spacious double aft cabins tucked under the cockpit and a forward V-berth with access to the sail locker. At the end of 1988, Westerly introduced the Classic Option, which traded the twin aft cabins for a single larger double aft cabin, moved the heads aft, and yielded a significantly bigger cockpit locker. Most boats sold were the original twin-aft-cabin version, so if you prize locker space over an extra sleeping cabin you will need a little patience. Ex-charter examples are a frequent sight.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

Thanks to their cruising pedigree, many boats on the brokerage market today are commonly fitted with a modern chartplotter, an AIS transceiver, and an autopilot—gear that would have been aspirational when these yachts left the factory. Teak decks are often seen; their cosmetic appeal is undeniable, but condition is everything, and a tired deck can quickly turn into a major project. Less universally, but worth hunting for, are owner upgrades such as a spinnaker, a furling mainsail, a hot-water system, a dodger, or a stern swim platform. A boat carrying several of these typically signals an owner who used and loved the yacht rather than one who let it sit.

What to Inspect

On bilge-keel examples, inspect the twin well-angled keels with bulbs for cracks or previous grounding repairs. The bulb design concentrates weight low but also places vulnerable tips right where they can catch an unlucky rock or hard standing.

The spade rudder demands attention to the rudder stock, bearings, and any sign of water ingress around the hull penetration. A drop-down inspection of the blade and check of the bearing play can save substantial yard bills later.

Westerly gave the Tempest higher quality joinery than its predecessors, but years of service can lead to delamination or leaks around windows and chainplates. Probe the plywood cabinetry and the covering strips for telltale dark stains or soft patches.

A pre-purchase survey should check the masthead rig for wear at the sheaves, fractured strands, and corrosion at the terminals. With many boats now over three decades old, original standing rigging will almost certainly need replacement unless documented otherwise.

Sources differ on how tender this design is: one read calls the ballast ratio merely moderate for stiffness, while another flags it as very low compared to similar designs. Either way, confirm that the mainsail reefing gear and sail condition match your local wind conditions. A tired mainsail with a deep belly will only accentuate the boat’s tendency to round up, so factor possible sail work into your offer.

Availability and Buyer’s Takeaway

The Tempest 31 shows up reliably on the brokerage market in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Ex-charter boats are part of the mix, so a thorough engine survey and a careful check of the hours are prudent. In return, the buyer gains a roomy, Dubois-designed cruiser that offers two distinct accommodation plans, a reputation for stout construction, and a readily upgraded electronics package. Use this checklist to keep your search on track:

• Decide early whether the twin-aft-cabin original or the single-aft-cabin Classic Option with its larger cockpit locker suits your cruising style.
• Favour boats with recent standing rigging, a healthy engine service log, and working electronics (chartplotter, AIS, autopilot).
• Be realistic about teak-deck condition; a replacement or removal job should be priced in if the decks are original and worn.
• On bilge-keel versions, insist on a close-up survey of the keel bulbs and stub attachment.
• Never bypass a full moisture survey of the GRP hull and a test of all seacocks; the peace of mind is worth it.